Photographic control system and apparatus having self-monitoring features

ABSTRACT

Photographic system and apparatus in the form of a highly automated reflex camera is described. The camera incorporates a multi-gate control circuit operating the components thereof through the operational phases in the course of a single photographic cycle. In the course of each such cycle, phase changes are monitored by transducers acting as an electricalmechanical interface within the system. The camera also features an automatic circuit reset operation in the event of a cycle malfunction.

United States Patent [i 91 Burgarella et a1. 1

' [22] Filed:

[ PHOTOCRAPHIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING SELF-MONITORINGFEATURES Y [75] inventors: John P. Burgarella, Sudbury; Peter- P.Carcia, Reading; Richard C. Kee,

Chestnut Hill, all of Mass.

[73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge Mass. Y

, Dec. 29, 1971 [2]] Appl. No.: 213,303

[52] US. Cl, 95/42, 95/53 EB [51] Int. Cl. G03b 19/12 [58] Field ofSearch/, 95/42, 53 EB [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1967Bounds 95/125 X [451' Nov, 27 1973.

3,487,759 1/1970 Fahlenberg 1 3,245,332

95/42 4/1966 Kagan... 95/53 EB Primary Examiner-Samuel S. MatthewsAssistant ExaminerMichael D. Harris Attorney-GeraldL. Smith et al.

{511 ABSTRACT u I Photographic system and apparatus in the form of ahighly automated reflex camera is described. The

' camera incorporates a multi-gate control circuit operating thecomponents thereof through the operational phases in the course of asingle photographic cycle. in the course of each such cycle, phasechanges are monitored by transducers acting as an electricalmechanicalinterface within the system. The cam era also features an automaticcircuit reset operation in the event of a cycle malfunction. 9

53 Claims, l9,Drawing Figures mimmuvzmm 3.774.516

v SHEU DlUF 1O '2 I INVENTORS v 3 JOHN P. BURGARELLA a PETER e GARCIARICHARD c. KEE

8 6127M and PAIEN'IEUNUYET IIII' 3,714.51 6

SHEEI 02 0F 10 GATE B GATE E SOLENOID SOL.|44 MOTOR SOLENOID SOL. 2l4|44POWER POWER 2|4POWER POWER DRIVE DowN CONTROL DRIvE DowN AMBIENTOPERATION EvENT sEouENcE I I 2 '3 '4 *5 I s CLOSED AND SOLENOID|44ENERG|ZED 000| 000 OOOI oo o oooI EXP. MECH. BLADES CLOSED I 2 MOTORENERGIZED oIoo OOOOIOO oooo ooI s CLOSED 3 s OPENS, MOTOR STOPS oIoo 00oDI II 0000 ooDI s OP 3 4 3 oIIo0II0IIIooIo0ooI COMMENCES 5 COMMENCEEXPOSURE -OOIO oII ooII OO-IQOOOI TRIGGER .THRESHOLD s REACHED IoIIIIOIOII IoIoIoII EXP. MECH. BLADES CLOSED 7 MOTORENERGIZEDIIIDIIDIIIDIDIDIDII,

s CLOSED 8 S3CLOSES I|ooIooIIoI IoooIooI 9 SSCLOSES 'IIooIooIIoIIoooIooI INVENTORS JOHN P BURGARELLA FIG 7 FSCEXRB- 9 MXM U ATTORNEYSPAIENIEDIIIII27 I975 3,774,516 SHEET our 10 E OVER-RIDE CYCLE FLASHCYCLE AMBIENT CYCLE L I A A f COUNTER FLASH \f E POS RE I L X u EXPOSUREEMPTY v COLLNTER CONTROL MECHANISM I56 CASSETTE TE E LOGIC BLADES PLANE'5 was AcTI /ATED OP N BLOCKED Y 454 2' vIEwING AND FOCUSING CLOSE a LLATCH s00 LOADING 456 DooR E 46 START i 7 O Y f FLASH AUTOMATIC EXPOSUREDEACTIVATION START '2 LOG'C CLOSE 1 (s MONITOR) E 458 2IG A REFLEX AWOLJ FLASH D A EIIIEIE'I 602 482 ENERG'ZED (s MONITOR) 5 l T lso 464 (3-32 E MONITOR) DELAY FIXED I I I'' Z' DELAY 462 l 604 RELEASE I I I -230EXPOSURE T MECHANISM m POST-EXPOSURE BLADES g LOGIC LAMP i |96 E ILIGHT- I RESPONSIVE E REGULATIQN a y FIXED Y o DELAY I H & I TRIGGER lFIRES L C +1 20o 466 cLosE EXPOSURE E JAEI'E'S (s MONITOR) J ,2o2 w 65:3

2041/ PROCESS COCK 8 2}, 20s FILM REFLEX UNIT COMPONENT III I EXPOSURE J8 MECHANISM J (L BLADES Q INVENTORS JOHN P BURGAREUA PETER P. GARCIARICHARD C. KEE

ATTORNEYS PAIENIEDnovznm 3,774,516

SHEET use; 10 A A G) AMBIENT OPER TION C 3 OPEN 7 CLOSE OPEN 4 CLOSE I IJ OPEN CLOSE I I ON SOLENOID I44 Pggg |L 8 OPEN 3 CLOSE INTEGRATIONTRIGGER 25s i'gfi FIG 8 DELAY OUTPUT J MOTOR g $1- v v I ON LATCH OFF IATE INPUTo 18$, I L fiL L GATE INPUTb *fl'g 'f, I A I I I IGH GATE INPUTc T 1 IG GATE INPUT d t F LASH OPERATION OSE 2 COLPEN SOLENOID 2|4 PWR SL v 7 +355 FIG. ll GATE INPUT e Low GATE INPUT f fig GATE INPUT g 1'8?OVER- RIDE RESET CYCLE s 7 MOTOR I 5 FIG. I3 TRIGGER 25s GATE H//VVEN7'0R$ JOHN. P. BURGARELLA EI JEXR'EC KEE m MW .y/mi $6 JMATTORNEYS X2 I /POSITION v a S3TRIP LEVEL sum os or OPEN HIGH

LQW

HIGH LOW HIGH LOW H LO IGH

CLOSE i PATENTED NW 2 7 5 EMPTY CASSETTE LOGIC s GATE-INPUT GATE INPUT jTRIGGER 288 INPUT 8UTPUT F GATE G MOTOR 7o //V VE N TORS JOHN PBURGARELLA PETER P CARCIA By RICHARD C. KEE a m MW %w M x (1M ATTORNE Y5TIME PATENTEDNUVZI I975 SHEEI 0701- 10 I GATE A GATE 8 GATE c GATE 0GATE E SOLENOID SOL.|44 MOTOR SOL. 2|4 SOL.2|4 I44POWER POWER CONTROLPOWER POWER DRIVE DOWN DRIVE. DOWN FLASH OPERATION EVENTSEQUENCE ubcfl*2 *3 "4 's 3 CLOSED AND SOLENOID I I o o 0 I ENERGIZED OOOI 000 00m0000 s CLOSED 4 1 2 MOTOR ENERGIZED OIOO 000 M00 0000 OOOI 3 S5OPEN,MOTOR STOPS o|oo 000 mm mm oIoo 4 ssopENsoEl-AY'go OIOO 00o OllloIlo'oloo COMMENCES 5 EXPOSURE MECHANISM BLADES COMMENCEOPENING oIIooI|Olll oIIo oIoo e SWITCHS4OPENS 0o|ooII OOII oll'ooIoo NETWORK 402TIME-OUT 7 DEENERGIZE;SOLENOID2I4;FIRE FLASH o o I 8 EXPOSURE MECHANISMBLADES I COMMENCETOCLOSE IoII IIo lOll IIIO llll 9S4CLOSES,MOTORENERGIZED IIIo IIo IIIO III0'IIII Io S3CLOSES IIooIooIIIoIIooIIoI II S5CLOSES,MOTOR STOPS lIoo I00 I IoI Iooo IooI INVENTORS JOHNP. BURGARELLA EFJEEE 92? flm m .MXJM

ATTORNEYS PAIENTEUIIIII I975 .SHEU 08 HF 10 GATES ABCDE ATEF GA EG GATEHS8 S6 S8 S5 s4 OUTPUT S8,S6ANDED STATES E QE'E OUTPUT 3I2 OVER-RIDERESET CYCLE EvENT SEQUENCE I *23'4'5 h '6 g '1 b d h '8 s CLOSED,LOADING DOOR o I. I IoIIoIo ooo EXPOSURE MECHANISM BLADES I 0 2 CLOSED,MOTOR ENERGIZED O O O O l O O 3S5OPENING ooIoIIoIoI0IIII 4 zERo EXPOSUREOVER-RIDE ooooI I o I o I 0 l I I I 5 S OPENS, MoToR ENERGIZED ooooI I oI I I I l I I I 6S3CLOSES OOOOIOOOOOOIIOO 7 COUNTER AT "I"S8 oPENS o 000I o 0' o 0 o 0 I l 0 o a $5 CLOSES, MoToR DEENERGIZED 0 G1 0 I o o 0 0 oo I 070 0 GATES AT ATE H ABCDEGATEF GEG G EMPTY CASSETTE LOGIC I EVENTSEQUENCE 1'2"?4'5 '.'6 9 J 7 b d h *8 S6 CLOSED ICLOSES'.IOIOIOIIOIOOOOO NORMAL EvENT PROGRESSION I I 2 To TIME-ouT OF NETWORK402 I o I o o I I I I l o I 00 TRIGGER 25s FIRES S4 CLOSES MoToRENERGIZED I 3 To COMPLETE PHOTOGRAPHIC oo o o l o I l I I l I I o oCYCLE. S6 REMAINS CLOSED INVENTORS JOHN R BURGARELLA PETER P. CARCIA BYRICHARD C4 KEE Mm mm:

z/raiafimufl AT TOR/ VEYS VPATENTEDRUYZ? ms mu 1 10 nr INVENTORSURGARELLA RICHARDC E m W4 a pre-exposure phase, an exposure phase, and apostexposure phase. The apparatus includes a reflex operator orcomponent which moves during the preexposure phase from a viewing to anexposure position. Once seated at the latter position, the exposurephase of the photographic cycle is carried out through the use of anexposure control system which evidences a predetermined or given outputcondition representing the termination of exposure interval and'of theexposure phase.

The cycle control system of the apparatus'respon ds in correspondencewith the movement of the noted reflex component from its viewingposition and substantially into itsexposure position to monitorthe'carrying out of certain operational events defining the notedpre-exposure phase, as well as for actuating the exposure control systemto establish the exposure phase of the camera. The cycle control systemis further responsive to the noted output condition of the exposurecontrol system to effect the carrying out of the post-- exposure phaseof a photographic cycle.

The apparatus further includes override means which is selectivelyactuated to command the exposure control system to assume the notedpredetermined or given output condition so as to cause the carrying outof the post-exposure phase of a photographic cycle. With thisarrangement, the apparatus may be reset to an initial or standbycondition following a non-programmed interruption of any givenphotographic cycle.

. A further feature andobject of the invention is to f provide the abovedescribed override arrangement in conjunction with the basic procedureof loading and unloading film within the apparatus. For instance, theoverride feature is actuated in conjunction with the removal of a filmladen cassette from a receiving chamber within the apparatus andsubsequent insertion and securing of such a cassette therein. Uponclosing an access loading door, or the like, following the notedsubsequent insertion of a cassette, the override resetting feature'isautomatically carried out.

Another object of the invention is to provide the above-describedoverride feature in conjunction with an exposure counter or monitornormally operative to record and display 'the number of photographiccycles expended for any inserted supply of film. More particularly, theoverride feature may be present, inter alia, as a switch which respondsto a condition of the counter or monitor as it exists when a film supplyis removed from the apparatus.

Another aspect and object'of the invention is to prorangement,inadvertent wasting of a flash light-source mounted upon the apparatusis obviated.

Another feature and object of the invention is to provide reflexphotographic apparatus which is operative to carry out an involvedsequence of operational events defininga photographic cycle. Theapparatus includes an exposure chamber within which is positioned areflex operator or component which is movable during the course of aphotographic cycle between a viewing position, establishing an opticalpath from a taking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position,reorienting the optical path to extendfrom the taking lens to anexposure plane. The apparatus further includes driven instrumentalitymeans which is actuable during a photographic cycle initially to movethereflex component from its viewing into an exposure position andthereafter is actuable to return the reflex'component to the notedviewing position. The apparatus further in-' cludes a transducer,present in the, form of a switch, having an'output condition whichcorresponds to orientations of the reflex component both'at its viewingposition and locations closely proximate thereto.

-A second transducer, in'theform of a'switch S is also'present in 'theapparatus. This second transducer has an output condition whichcorresponds with orientations of the reflex component as it movesproximate and-into its exposure position. The control system of theapparatus is designed to respond to the output condition of the secondtransducer to; effect the carrying out of the exposure phase of aphotographiccycle. Throughthe use of such second transducer actuation,

the cycle control system of the apparatus can be con-' conversion, wasto accommodate for variations in component movement, is significantlyreduced.

In a preferred embodiment, both of the above described transducers areoperated from the driven instrumentality of the camera. Thisinstrumentality, in-

blocking the optical path of the apparatus Thus re-v sponsive, the thirdtransducer provides an early monitoring feature allowing, in theevent ofmalfunction, cycle shutdown before the uncovering of the exposure planeof the apparatus. Without such monitoring, a film unit, or thelikegwould be unnecessarily exposed and wasted. Thepresence of threetransducers in the above described locations also provides a threeaspect monitoring of the pre-exposure phase of a photographic cy-' cle.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will, inpart, appear hereinafter.

.The invention, accordingly, comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure.

' tions;

override reset fashion;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a fullyautomatic handheld camera incorporating the self-monitoring features ofthe instant invention, the view having portions broken away to revealinternal structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cassette structure insertable withinthe camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of an exposure mechanism incorporatedin the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG.- 4 is a block logic diagram showing the sequence of events occuringduring operational cycles of the camera of FIG. 1; a v

FIG. 5 is a partial pictorial representation of trans ducer features ofthe camera of FIG. 1, with portions broken away to-revealinternalstructure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic. diagram ,ofjacontrol circuit used in conjunctionwith the control'syster'n of the camera of FIG. 1;

"FIG. 7 is a truth table or schedule of operational events performed bythe control system of the camera of FIG. 1, showing, in logic form, theinput and output states of gate functions incorporated within thecircuit FIG. 18 is an energization status chart for the variouscomponents of the circuit of FIG. 6 as theyoperate in conjunction withanexhausted film supply; and

FIG. 19 is a partial, side sectional view of thelcounter mechanism ofFIG. 14 showing the orientations of com-.

' ponents thereof when the film supply of the camera is exhausted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION operational eventsin the course of a photographiccycle is discussed. Inasmuch as the control system for thecameraoperates-in both a flash mode as well as in an ambientilluminational mode, the description necessarily incorporates discussionof both in order to illustrate monitoring and reset features-To aid inunderof FIG. 6 as it operates under ambient lighting condi- FIG. 8 is anenergization status chartfor various components of the circuit of FIG. 6as they operate throughout a photographic cycle underv ambientillumination conditions; t I

FIG. 9 is a chart showing relative rotational travel times for a reflexcomponentof the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a. truth table or schedule of operational events performed bythe control systemof the. camera of FIG. 1, showing, in logic form,'theinput and output states of gate'functions of thecircuit of FIG. 6 whenthat circuit is operated for flash mode performance;

FIG. 11 is an energization'status chart for various components of thecircuit ,of FIG. 6.:as-they operate in a flash mode;

- FIG. 12 is a truth table operational events performed by the controlsystem of the'camera of FIG. 1,

showing, in logic form, the input and output states of standing cyclevariations, a block logic diagram graphically illustrating cameraperformance for different operational modes is referred tointermittently as the description unfolds. I I

I I Cameraand Cassette General Structure 7 I Referring to FIG. 1,a'fully automatic reflex camera incorporating the features of theinstant invention is portrayed generally at 10. The several articulatedhousing components of camera 10, including rear wall 12, forward wall14, and exposure control housing 16 are pivotally associated with'a base18 so as to be foldable thereinto in nesting fashion. When so foldedfrom the erected configuration shown, the camera 10 assumes a thin and.compact shape suiting it to be conveniently carried in the pocket ofagarment. The specific hinge connections providing for the articulatedstructure, while not being visiblein the figure, are positioned at axes20, 22, 24 andatthe lower rear portion of exposure housing l6.- I

When erectedfor making an exposure, rear wall 12, forward wall 14 andexposure control housing 16 com binein conjunction with an opaqueflexible bellows, a

. fragment of which'is illustrated at 26, to define an exposure chambergenerally depicted at 28. 4

' Base 18 includes an inner frame assembly, a portion gate functionsincorporated within the circuit of FIG.

6 as it is operated in override reset fashion;

FIG. 13 is an energization status chart for various components of thecircuit of FIG. 6 as they operate in FIG. 14 is a partial,pictorialrepresentation of a counter mechanism incorporated within arearward portion of the camera of FIG.". 1; I 3,

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective .view of the forward portion of thebase of the camera'of FIG. 1, withportions broken away to revealinternal structure;

of which is shown at 30. Inner frame assembly 30, as

: wen asthe outward portions of base 18, cooperate to providestructural-support for numerous instrumentalities of the camera. Forinstance, frame 30 is configured to define a receiving chamber forretaining and securing a film laden cassette or container 32 at thebottom of exposure chamber 28. v 1

7, Looking additionally to FIG. 2, cassette 32 is of ge'nerally flat,rectangular shape and contains a stacked assemblage of photographicunits, one of which is shown I formed in the upper surface of cassette32. Entrance FIG. l6is a partial perspective view of a forward portionof the camera of FIG. 1, showing-aloading access door in an openposition, the view having portions bro- I ken away to reveal internalstructure; I

. FIG. 17 is a truth table for operational events 'per-' formed by thecontrol system of the camera of FIG. 1,.

showing, in logic form,-the input and outputstates of gate functionsincorporated within the circuit of FIG.

6 as it operates in conjunction with an exhausted film pp y;-

portion 36 has a periphery which is defined by ridge 38, the undersideof which serves as a seat against which the uppermost unit 34 abuts.'Theforward wall of cassette 32 is formed having an elongate slot 40disposed thereacross. Slot 40 serves as an egress means providing forthe sequential removal of each film unit 34. Cassette 32 also is formedhaving slots or openings in the upward face thereof as at 42. Slots 42permit the inser-. I tion of a component of a pick mechanism whichfunctions to impart initial movement to units 34 as they are removedfrom the container. I

Asshown in FIG. 1, cassette 32 is slidably receivable into a receivingchamber formed within base 18 and so configured such that the uppermostone of film units 34 is automaticallypositioned at the exposure plane ofcamera 10. When the cassette 32 is inserted, a loading access door,shown generally at 44, is pivoted downwardly to reveal an access openingof the receiving chamber.

Camera 10 operates in a modifed reflex fashion, being convertiblebetween viewing and exposure operational modes by a reflex assembly,including an operator arrangement formed as a somewhat planar reflexreflecting component 50. Shown at an intermediate position evidencedduring a transition from one terminal position to another, the component50 is configured having a mirror surface 52, mounted upon its underside,and a viewing surface 54, positioned upon or forming its upward surface.In the course of a photographic cycle,.reflex component 50 is moved froma viewing position against ridge 38 of cassette 32, where it serves tosecure light entrance portion 36, to an exposure position abuttingagainst a mirror-56 located upon the innerside of rear wall 12. Movementbetween the viewing and exposure positions is pivotal, the component 50being coupled to inner frame 30 at hinges58 and 60.

Eloranta, entitled, Reflex Camera, Ser. No. 134,733, filed Apr. 16, 1971andassigned in common herewith, the driven instrumentality'is regulatedfrom a control a system which utilizes the output'of a motor 70 to.selectively drive an elongate, thin gear train, certain components ofwhich are shown generally at 72, extending along one side of camera 10.The various geared components of gear train 72 are rotatably mountedupon camera 10 between inner frame 30 andan outer plate 74 (FIG. Tworeduction ratio circuits are present in gear train 72, one such circuitterminating in a phase control cam 76 which is rotatably driven throughone revolution during the course of a single photographic cycle. Cam 76operates in conjunction with a cam follower 78, positioned upon theinwardlyfacing side of an elongate ram or actuator 80. Ram 80is'slidably mounted for movement along gear train 72 between Whencomponent 50 is positioned over ridge 38 of cassette 32, to secure theexposure plane of the camera, a viewing mode optical path isestablished. This path extends from a taking lens mounted at 64 inexposure housing 16, through an exposure mechanism depicted generally at66, which establishes an aperture opening of maximum available width,thence to the reflecting surface of mirror 56 at the rear of the cameraand thence to viewing surface 54 on the upward side of component 50.Viewingsurface 54 is configured having a texture and optical designfacilitating the focusing of the image of the scene to be photographed.This image may be viewed by the camera operator through a collapsibleoptical viewing assembly depicted generally at 68. A configurationsuited for viewing surface 54 is described and'claimed in a copendingapplication for [1.8. Pat, Ser.- No. 83,030 filed Oct. 22, 1970 byNathan Gold, entitled, Reflective Imaging Apparatus and assigned incommon herewith, while the assembly 68 and its related internalcomponents are'described in detail in a copending application for [1.8.Pat. by James G. Baker, filed Dec. 15, 1970, entitled; "ReflexCamera andViewing Device", Ser. No. 98,356 and assigned in common herewith. i

v The exposure mode optical path orientation of cam era 10 isestablished by pivotting reflex component 50 substantially against theinner surface of rear wall 12. In thisorientation, the optical path nowextends from taking lens 64 and exposure mechanism 66 to mirror 52,positioned on the underside of reflex component v nism 66 defines anaperture of maximum available light.

transmissibility while reflex component 50 is heldin a light securingposition over light entrance portion 36 of cassette 32.,Component 50 isretained in that position by a driven instrumentality operating throughhinge 58.

Described in detail and claimed in a copending applicathe outer facethereof and outer plate 74 and is drivably connected to'an inputbellcrank 82 mounted, in turn, at the rear of camera 10. Input-bellcrank 82 is connected by a spring linkage to reflex component 50 athinge 58. As is described in detail in the noted application for Patent,Ser. No. 134,733, this spring linkage provides a drive spring featureutilized to drivecomponent 50 into its exposure position, as well as anoverride spring system feature permitting cocking operations to proceed,even though component 50 may be jammed or stuck in an upward position,for instance against mirror 56.

The position of reflex component 50 throughout any given photographiccycle is controlled by select energizations of motor 70 and consequentrotation of phase control cam 76. For instance, when camera 10 is in aviewing mode orientation, cam follower 78 and ram 80 serve to retainreflex component 50 in its exposure plane securing position over ridge38 of cassette 32. When reflex component 50 is so retained, cam 76 is ina radial orientation wherein it holds follower 78 and associated ram 80at a terminal rearward position against the bias asserted by the notedspring linkages utilized to drive component 50-and exerted through inputbell crank 82. A controlled energization of motor 70 early in a givenphotographic cycle causes the gear train 72 tact is reasserted withfollower 78 to drive ram 80 rearwardly and cock reflex component 50 intoits viewing position. Simultaneously withthis cocking activity, a

second reduction circuit within gear train 72 functions to drive aprocessing station shown generally at 84. Station 84 is comprised of twocylindrical rolls 86 and 88 mounted within loading access door 44. Roll86 of thestationis connected with gear train 72 through a drive tion forUS. Pat. by E. H. Land, 1. Blinow and V. K. gage the'uppermostphotographic unit 34 and to move optimize depth'of field, while exposurethe bite or point of tangency between rotating processing rolls 86 and88 of station 84. Described in detailin a copending application for US.Patent, Ser. No. 171,127 by E. H. Land, entitled Film AdvancingApparatus, filedAug 12,1971 and assigned in common herewith, mechanism92 includes a carriage assembly 94 which is selectively driven from acam (notshown) present within gear train 72. Slidably mounted upon innerframe 30 by pin and slot assemblies, a typical one of which is shown at96, carriage 94'is configured supportinga' resilient pick member 98. Theouter tip 100 of pick member 98 isconfigured to extend into and slidealong slot 42 of cassette 32. Carriage 94 is spring train 72, theassembly of carriage 94 and pick 98 moves I the uppermost one ofphotographic units '34 through slot 40 until it is engagedby the rollsof processing station 84. Carriage 94 is latched at itsforwardmostposition following performance of its pick function and isreturned under spring bias to its rearward station at the completion ofthe photographic cycle.

Photographic units 34 are processed by passing through rolls 86 and 88of .processing station 84. Described in detail in a US. Patent by E. H.Land, No. 3,145,644, these unitsare structured to contain a processingfluid which is spread ther'ewithin to cause the formation of a visiblepositive image.

Camera Exposure Mechanism I Theexposure control systemof camera iscalled upon to performa number of operational steps in the course of aphotographic cycle. For instance, to permit optimum viewing andfocusing, the mechanism 66 establishes an aperture opening of maximumwidth or light transmi'ssibility. During the conversion of the opticalpath of camera 10 from a viewing mode to an exposure mode orientation,mechanism 66 is called upon to secure exposure chamber 28 by remainingin a fully 118 and 120 are configured somewhat in correspon-, dence withthecontours of respective openings 114 and 116. 'Ifhese'secondaryopenings also move in mutual symmetry over the optical path of the lightsensing network. i

Blades 110 and 112 are moved, in mutual symmetry .as a result of theirconnection with; a walking beam shown at 124. Walking beam 124 is formedhaving a centrally disposed hub portion 126 which is journaled forrotation about an upstanding stud (not shown) extending from therearward portion of exposure control housing 16. Elongate slots, as at128 and130, are

I formed in the tip portions of walking beam 124 for the closedcondition. Further, in the, course of an exposure vides for a dualexposure parameter regulation in which both' aperture andexposure'interval are controlled in accordance with a predetermined,optimized photographic program. For instance, under such a program,relative aperture should be'selected automatically to interval isselected to maximize taking speed. I I

Looking additionally to FIG. 3, exposure mechanism a I Referringadditionally to FIG. 4, the operational event sequence defining aphotographic cycle as cam- 66 is shown tobe formed having two blades,110 and 112, which slideably ride in a track (not shown) mounted withinexposure housing16. Each blade, 110 and 112, is formed having a teardropshaped aperture opening as shown, respectively, at 114'and 116.Additionally, the blades are formed having secondary open ings, shownrespectively at 118 and 120,,(FIG. l)

I path of camera 10 as it is established at taking lens 64.

Depending upon the position of blades 110 and 112,

purpose of providing connection with pins 132 and 134 extending,respectively, from blades and 112.

Walking beam 124 is biased for rotation toward a terminal position. Thisbias is derived from a spring 136, the central portion of which is woundabout hub 126. The movable end 138 of spring 136 is configured forbiasing contact againstiwalking beam-12,4, while its sta tionary end 140is configured to abut against a pin 142 extending from a" rear portionof exposure control housing 16. With spring 136 so connected, theexposure mechanism is biased for moving blades 110 and 112 into anormally open orientation'wherein openings 1 14 and 116, as well as 118and 120 cooperate to define widest available'apertures. This fully openaperture condition of mechanism 66 is shown in FIG. 3.

. Movement of blades 1 10 and 112 from their normallyopen orientation,permitting viewing and. focusing, into a closed orientation, blockingthe passage of light along the optical pathof the camera 10, is carriedout by a tractive. electromagneticdrive present as a solenoid 144mounted within exposure control housing 16 through a magnetic circuitcompleting bracket as at 146. Solenoid 144 .is designed having aninternally disposed cylindrical plunger or armature 148 which retractsinwardly within an excitation winding upon energization thereof. Plunger148 is connected through a pin (not shown) and comb-shaped connector.150 to one side of walking beam 124. i v "f When solenoid 144 isenergized to retract plunger 148, walking beam l24 -is rotated rapidlyagainst the bias of spring 136 to move blades 110 and '1 12 into thefully closed orientation shown in FIG. 1. Note in FIG. 1 that theoptical path of cameralO, as it is extensible through the taking lens at64, is completely blocked,

thereby 'securingexposure chamber 28 fromthe presence of light.

Ambient Cycle Operation upon erecting camera 10 to the configurationshown in FIG. 1, the operator views and focuses a scene to be openings114 and 116 symmetrically overlap to define selectively varying aperturesizes. Secondary openings photographed through optical entrance assembly68. To optimize this viewing, the blades 110 and 112 of exposuremechanism 66 are fully open as depicted at function block 154.Additionally, the exposure plane of the camera is blocked by reflexcomponent 50 as it is positioned over ridge 38 of cassette 32. Thelatter viewing condition is depicted by function block 156. Followingviewing and focusing, aphoto'graphic cycle is commenced with thedepression of a start button 158 located on the forward. face ofexposurecontrol hous-' ing 16. Depression of this button closesappropriate switching to energize the control system of the camerawhich, in turn, effects the energization of the winding of solenoid 144.When so energized, solenoid 144 drives blades 110 and 112 to the closedposition shown in FIG. 1. The depression of start button 158 and.initial closure of the exposure mechanism blades, as depicted atfunction block 160, commences a pre-exposure phase of the photographiccycle. The extent of this phase and succeeding ones is bracketed andlabeled in FIG. 4. 7

As exposure mechanism blades 110 and 112 are driven to their lightblocking position, leaves 162 and 164 of a switch generally designatedas S, are closed. Asrevealed in FIG..3, switch S additionally includesan insulative base 166 fixed to an inner frame portion of exposurecontrol housing 16. Switch S serves a transducer-monitor function andclosure of its leaves 162 and 164 is carried out when an insulativecontact 168 connected to walking beam 124 drives leaf 162 into contactwith leaf l64. The position of walking beam 124 when closure of switch Sis effected is shown in phantom in FIG. 3 at 124. Note that switch S isnot closed until blades 110 and 112 fully block the optical path ofcamera 10. 1

When blades 110 and 112 block the optical path camera and transducerswitch 8,, assumes a pre' determined monitoring condition by virtue ofits 010- sure, exposure chamber 28 is secured and operational modeconversion is permitted to take place. Accordingly, as indicated atfunction block 170, the control system of camera 10 operates to releasereflex compo nent 50. To carry out'this release, the control systemenergizes motor 70 for a short period of time. to actuate gear train 72,thereby driving phase control cam 76 a sufficient amount to release ram80 for movement.

mences forward movement in conjunction with the noted release, a tab 172extending inwardly therefrom releases from engagement with theinsulative cap 174 of a resilient leaf 176 of a switch identifiedgenerally as S Switch 8,, additionally includes a resilient leaf 178which is supported along with leaf 176 from an insula tive base 180fixed to outer plate 74 of' base 18. Accordingly, the contacts 176 and178 of switch S are opened in correspondence and synchronisrn with theinitial movement of component from its viewing position. With such anarrangement, switch 8 serves as a transducer form of monitor, the opencondition of which signals that reflex component 50 has been releasedand is proceeding towards its exposure position;

The spring biased rotational travel of reflex component 50 about itshinges 58 and 60 intoits seated expo sure position entails about 37.When reflex component 50 somewhat closely approaches its seated positionagainst rear wall 12, i.e. at about 32, tab 172 contacts conditionevidencing that the component .50 has approached its seatedposition.Should any interference be encountered during the rotational movement ofcomponent 50, the corresponding and synchronous bouncing or the likewhich reflex component 50 may exhibit against its seated position atrear wall 12. n

In addition to providing monitor information that reflex coinponent 50has reached a location proximate its seated position, transducer switchS being so located, also provides an improved technique for deriving therequisite optical path conversion timing. Referring momentarily to FIG.9, a graph showing angular travel vs. time for two different excursionrates for reflex component 50-is illustrated. A curve 190 for oneexcursion time is shown to require a total lapsed time T, for thecomponent to fully seat at its exposure position. As shown in thefigure, when switch S is tripped at 32", a period x is required toaccommodate for full damping of component 50 at its seated position. Dueto'vaguaries within the drive system, component 50 may require .a longertraveltime and exhibit a travel characteristic as shown at 192. Thischaracteristic travel would require a total lapsed travel time asdesignated at T Note that the lapsed time T is considerably greater thanthat at T and, should the delay function 190 be initiated when component50 leaves its viewing position, an undesirably lengthened'time-out-wouldbe required to account for all possible drive characteristicsvariations. It may be, noted,,however, that the time span x required forthe component 50 to fully damp after it has passed the 32, 8;, monitorposition includes only a small increment of additional time. than thecorresponding damping time for an excursion as identified at x, forcurve 190. As aconsequence, the timing window required for delayfunction 190 is much smaller and overall photographic cycle operationcan be designed to becarried out in a correspondingly shorter period oftime. Note in the latter regard that the lapsed time span for delay 190would be the longer of the statistical periods measured as at x, or x,.v

, Returning to FIGS. 1-4, upon appropriate time-out of delay 190, thecontrol system of camera 10 is signaled to start the exposure phase ofits photographic cycle. This phase is commenced upon the deenergizationof the excitation winding of solenoid 144 thereby permitting spring 136to drive blades 1'10 and 112 toward a terminal position representingmaximum aperture opening. Such release is depicted at function block l94in FIG. 4. Simultaneously with this movethe' circuit thereof is fired,as depicted at function block 198, and the excitation winding ofsolenoid 144 is again energized to retract plunger 148 and rapidly closeblades and 112. This exposure terminating function concludes theexposure phase of a given photov- 13 g raphic cycle and is depictedatblock 200. The postexposure phase of the photographic cycle nowvcommences as switch S, is again closed by virtue of the contact of leaf162 with insulative' contact 168 of walking beam 124. v s

Energization of the excitation winding of solenoid 144 continuesthroughout the post-exposure phase in and claimed in a correspondingapplication for US. Pa-

- tent by L. M. Douglas entitled, Apparatus and System order to secureexposure chamber 28 during ensuing movement of reflex component 50. Thelatter reorientation of component 50 is carried out by re-energi'zingmotor 70 to drive gear train 72 and thereby rotate phase control cam 76.As cam 76 is rotated, contact is reasserted with follower 78 to driveram 80 rearwardly and cock reflex component 50 toward its viewing modeposition as depicted at function block 202. As depicted generally atfunction block 204, simultaneously with the above-described cockingactivity, the second reduction circuit of gear train 72 drives roll 86of processing station 84 and actuates pick mechanism 92. Mechanism 92serves to urge uppermost film unit 34 from cassette 32 and into the biteof rotating rolls 86 and 88. 4

At the termination of the above-described cooking and processingfunctions, the control system of camera is automatically shut downtoterminate the photographic cycle. Such shut-down de-energizes theexcitation winding of solenoid 144 to permit blades 110 and 112 to openunder'thebias of spring 136..The latter event is depicted in FIG. 4 byfunction block 206.

The noted shut-down is carried out in response to the opening of switchS by tab 172 of ram 180. Transducer switch S serves to close down thecontrol system in response only to the movement of ramj80. Accordingly,

should reflex component 50 be jammed or inadvertently held in anelevatedposition, camera l0will complete a photographic cyclepOverridesprings extant between bell crank 82 and hinge 58 permit this cyclecompletion without injurying the mechanisms of the camera. At such timeasfany jamming or thelike is corrected, the reflex component 50 willbe'spring driven into its viewing position. The latter feature isdescribed in the noted application for patent, Ser. No. 134,733.

7 Flash Cycle Operation 7 I In the discussion above, aphotographic-cycle of cam era 10 has been described as it relates tooperation under ambient lighting conditions. To operate camera" 10 withartificial or flash illumination, a packaged multilamp flash assemblysuch, as that shown at 210 is mounted upon exposure housing 16. When somounted, assembly 210 serves to arm or activate a flash control logicwithin the control system of the camera. FIG. 4 depicts a resultantflash photographic cycle, the noted control logic activation beingdepicted by-fiinction block 212. As shown in that drawing, a flash cycleincludes a series of additional operational events which add toor bypassthose suited for ambient performance. For instance, following viewingand focusing and depression of start button 158, the excitation windingof solenoid 144 is energized to close mechanism blades 110 and 112 asshown at function block 160. As reflex component is released and switchS is opened, the

excitation winding of a second, follow-focus solenoid ponent of afollow-focus mechanism described in detail for Flash Photography, Ser.No. 168,671, filed Aug. 3, 1971, and assigned in common herewith'Thisfollow-focus mechanism provides a mechanical coupling between thefocusing system of camera 10 and the aperture 'adjusting'featureofexposure mechanism 66. A follow-focus type aperture setting is basedupon an application of the inverse square law of light energypropagation wherein the light energy available from a given source isconsidered to vary inversely with the square of the distance from thatsource. Referring particularly to FIG. 3, when taking lens 64 isappropriately focused, an interceptorlinkage, a portionof which isdepicted at 218 is positioned such that when actuated, it will arrestthe opening movement of blades 110 and 112 at a position defining aproper aperture value. Actuation of interceptor linkage 218 is carriedout by a pull-down bar 220.Bar 220 is loosely hinged to a. portion ofexposure housing 16 at 222 and is connected to the internally disposedplunger of solenoid 214m 224. As noted in FIG. 4, solenoid 214 is notenergized until after the closure of exposure mechanism blades 110 and112. When so energized, pull-down bar 220 is drawn inwardly by theplunger of solenoid 214 to position interceptor linkage 218 at alocation engageable with a portion 'of walking beam 124 at such time asthe beam is illumination is not monitored as described earlier inconnection with function block 196 and a fixed delay is imposed having aduration selected to permit full utilization of the output of theflashlamp ignited at assemanisrn blades110 and 112 as well as with thecarrying out of processing and cocking functions. The excitation windingof solenoid 214 is selectively de-energiz ed fol lowing fixed delay 228,however, blades 110 and 112 are retained at an aperture definingposition until such time as the excitation winding of solenoid 144 isreenergized to close blades 110 and 112.

' Control Circuit 1 Referring to FIGS. 7, and 8, a schematic diagram fora control circuit, along with related truth tables and energizationstate diagrams, serving to carry out the operational events discussedabove are displayed. The circuit of the FIG. 6 includes a series ofmulti-function gates designated A-E, as well as more conventional ANDGATES designated H and G and an OR GATE designated F. The inputs andoutputs for these gates are depicted in Boolean enumeration in the truthtables, for instance, that shown in FIG. 7. For purposes forunderstanding the tabulations within these figures, as well as tofacilitate the description to follow, when the inputs or outputs of thelisted components are at ground rated.

I 15 reference potential, they are referred to as low and, additionally,such input or output is digitally identified as Conversely, when theseinputs and outputsassume or approach the voltage statusof the powersupshown in comparative time scale fashion. It maybe noted further thatcertain of the GATE input terminals receive common signals. These commonsignal terminals are identified by the letters a-g. Additionally, theoutputs of GATES A-l-I are identified, respectively, by the letters t tControl Circuit Ambient Cycle Looking to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the circuitarrangement for controlling camera 10 under ambient lighting conditionsis illustrated. As noted earlier, a photographic cycle is commenced withthe depression of start button 158. This depression serves to close aswitch designated S, in the figure. Closure of switch S connects aprimary power line 240 which is connected with the positive terminal ofa battery 238. The opposite terminal of battery 238 is connected by aline 242, through a closed switch S to ground. Thus connected, primarypower line 240 serves to energize a latching network depictedfunctionally by block 244. Described in detail and claimed in acopending application for U.S. Patent by J. P. Burgarella, P. P. Garcia,and R. C. Kee, Ser. No.

213,317 filed Dec. 27,, 1972 and assigned in common herewith, network244 operates under two energization states. The first of these statespermits the operator of camera 10 to abort a photographic cycle untilsuch time as switch S is opened. Following the opening of switch S asecond energization state at network 244 permits a continuous poweringof the circuit from line 245 even thoughxthe contacts of switch Saresepa- The output ,of latching network 244 is'present at a powerdistribution line 246 which, in turn, is connected to a branch powerline 248. Branch power line 248 is connected to a second branch powerline 250 and these two lines serve to power and assert initial controlcon- These conditions, as they exist at the commencement a level.Energized frombranch power line 248 through line 260 and coupled toground through line 262, the output at line 256 of trigger 258 remainslow until a signal above the notedtriggering reference level is receivedat any of its input lines, for instance, at line 266. Upon receipt ofsuch signal, the output at line256 assumes a high status/Such input, asderived at line 266, is developed from a control signal generated at anexposure control network designated generally at 268.

Gate input terminal [1' of GATE A evidences a low state by virtue of itsconnection through line '270 and limitingresistor 272 to ground.Additionally, this low status is permitted as a result of the connectionof line 270 through lines 274,276, and 278 to switch S As describedearlier in connection with FIGS. 1 and 3, switch S, remains open untilsuch time as exposure mechanism blades 110 and 112 are fully closed. Atsuch time as switch S is closed, line 278 is energized from primarypower line 240. I

Gate input terminal c of GATE A is coupled through line 280 and line 282to the corresponding common input terminal of GATE B. The initial lowstatus of common terminals 0 is derived as a result of the connection ofline 282. through line 284 to the output 286 of a trigger 288 .-Similarto trigger 258, the output of trigger 288 is normally low and willassume a high status in response to the receipt of a signal above apredetermined triggering or threshhold value at its input 290.

Trigger 288 is energized from branch power line 250 through line 292 andis coupled to ground through lines 294 and 296. Representing thetriggering component of the delay. function described in connection withfunction block 170 of FIG. 4, trigger 288'serves to retain common inputterminals c at a low state during the preexposure phase of aphotographic cycle- Note that this low input condition represents asignal from the electrical-mechanical interface of the-control systemthat reof a photographiccycle, are tabulated at Event No. l g

in FIG. 7. As described in connection with function block 1600f FIG. 4,the initial operational event is that of energizing the excitationwinding 252 of solenoid 144. This is carried out by asserting selectinput conditions to the input terminals of multifunction GATES A I andB. Looking to these inputs, input terminals a,

commonly connected by line 254, exhibit an initial low status by virtueof their connection along line 256 to the output of a trigger circuit258. Trigger 258 may be of conventional design, for instance, aSchmitt-type having a normally conducting output stage and a nor mallynon-conducting input stage. These stages operate to reverse theirconductive states very rapidly upon receipt at the input stage of asignal which is at least equal to a predetermined triggering referenceor threshhold flex component 50 has not been elevated to a positionproximate that required for initiating the exposure phase of aphotographic cycle.

-With the assertion of the above described input logic, theresultantinitial'output, t, of GATE A, present at line 298, is-high and isimposed at the baseof an'NPN transistor 0,. The emitter of transistor Q,is coupled along line 300 to 'ground while its collector is connected toline 302. Line 302, in turn, connects the excitation winding 25 2 ofsolenoid 144 to primary power line 240. Solenoid 144 isdesignatedfunctionally in' coupled through a current limiting resistor304 and line 306 to line 302. GATE'B serves a powering down functionwherein solenoid 144 isenergized at a lower current'level when theplunger'thereof gains its fully retracted position. To-carry this out,GATE 8 diverts solenoid energizing current through limiting resistor304.

When transistor Q, is forward biased, however, this di- .to groundthrough line 320.

common herewith. v I

Solenoid 144 being energized, blades 110 and 112 are driven to theirfully closed position and when this position is reached, contacts 162and 164 of transducer switch S, are closed. As a consequence,the'control circuit reacts to this switch condition information that'theexposure mechanism 66 is functioning properly and that sufficient poweris available ,to fully close blades 110 and 112. As-noted at Event No. 2of FIG. 7, the closure of switch S alters the b input terminal state atline 270 from a low to a high, thus, the output at t becomes low. Thisinput terminal alteration changes output t of GATE A to a low'status,thereby removing the forward bias at transistor Q The above-describedpower-down function performed by GATE B continues the energization ofwinding 252 at a selectively lower current level; The b input terminalalteration also '18 7,the opening of switch S serves to activate an R-Ctiming ,network identified generally at 330. This network serves toimpose the delaydescribedin connection with function block 190 in FIG.4.

Formed of a timing resistor 332 and a timingcapacitor 334: coupledwithin line 336 between line 296,

ground and branch power line 250, network 330 serves changes the output13;, of GATE C. While Event No. 1

is being carried out, the output at line 308 of GATE C is high. Thishigh output is established'as a result of a low present at line 310 andintroduced to input terminal a. Line 310 is coupled to line 254, thelatter line providing a common couplingof the corresponding in-'= putsof GATES A and B. Gate input terminal d of GATE C remains low inconsequence of its connection through lines 312, 314 and closed switch S'to ground. As cataloged at Event No.2 of FIG. '7, inasmuch as inputtenninal b of GATE C is coupled to switchS, in line 278 from line 276,the closure of switch S, alters its status from a low to a high state.The resultant low output of GATE C, whenintroduced through line 308,signals a motor control function 316 to energize motor 70. Controlfunction 316 is energized from primary power line 240 through line 318and is coupled As discussed in connection with function block 170 ofFIG. 4, the resultant energization of motor 70 effects the release orunlatching of reflex component 50, thereby enabling a spring'drivemechanism tomove it away from its viewing position. At the commencementof this movement, when component 50 remains closely 1 nent 50 hassubstantially reached its exposure position as a condition forcontinuing with the photographic .cy-

cle.

Network 330 is activated. upon removal of a shunt about capacitor 334which is constituted by a line 338,

connected from a point intermediate capacitor 334 and resistor 332, toground through a diode 340 and switch S Diode 340 serves to isolate line338 from spurious line 302 with the consequence of de-ener'gizingexcitaproximate its viewing position, tab 172 of ram 80, moving incorresponding synchronism with reflex component 50, releases fromengagementwith insulated cap 174 of leaf 176 to open switch S;,. Thiselectrical-. mechanical interface activity signals the control system ofcamera 10 that the exposure plane is unblocked and that reflex componentis moving. v

Asdisclosed as Event No. 3inFIGS. 7 and 8, the

opening of switch S alters the status of input terminal d of GATE C to ahigh condition and the resultant output 1 of the gate becomes high. Ahigh status at line 308 serves to signal motor control function 316todeenergize motor 70. As a consequence, drive to, gear train 72 ishalted.

switch S Represented asEvent No. 4 of FIGS. 6 and tion winding 252 ofsolenoid 144. Asdescrib ed'in connection with function block 194 of FIG.4, the exposure phase of a photographic cycle begins as blades 110 and112 of exposure mechanism 66 commence to open under the bias of spring136. As blades 110 and 112 move from their blocking terminal position,switch S, again opens. As is catalogued in FIG. 7 at Event No. 5, theopening of switch S inserts information into the circuit that blades 110and 112 are in the course of opening, the information being present asan alteration in the state of common gate input b from av high to a low.v

' In addition to effecting the de-energiza'tion' of excitation winding25-2,the signal change in line 282 also is introduced through aninverter 342 to activate an electronic switch shown generallyv at 344.Described in detail and claimed in a copending application for (1.8. 'l'atent by. E. K. Shenk, Ser. No. 213,289, entitled Exposure ControlSystem Incorporating Solid-State SwitchingTo Enable a Light SensitiveNetwork, filed Dec.

29,. 1971 and assigned incommon herewith, when trig- A gered, switch 344removes a shunt established by lines 346 and 348 across a timingcapacitor 350. The removal of this shunt activates exposure controlnetwork 268, thereby providing the light-responsive regulation functiondescribed inconnection with block 196 of FIG. 4 and identified as EventNo. 5 in FIGS. 7 and 8;

Network 268 includes a photovoltaic cell 352, positioned within camera10 behind openings 118- and 120 of exposure mechanism 66, and connectedto the input

1. A control system for photographic apparatus of a type havingcomponents movable betweeN operative positions in a predetermined orderto define a photographic cycle, comprising: a taking lens; meansdefining a chamber for receiving and securing a cassette having a givensupply of photographic material; reflex component means for selectivelyorienting an optical path extending from said taking lens and movableduring a preexposure phase of said cycle, from a viewing to an exposureposition and, during a post-exposure phase of said cycle, from saidexposure to said viewing position; exposure means for selectivelyblocking and unblocking said optical path to expose said photographicmaterial; control circuit means for regulating the operation of saidreflex component means and said exposure means to carry out a saidphotographic cycle, said control means having an initial state;transducer means serving as an electrical-mechanical interface from saidcontrol circuit means to said reflex component means and said exposuremeans, said transducer means being operative to change from an initialpre-photographic cycle condition to track said reflex component meansand said exposure means performance throughout a said photographiccycle; and reset means actuable in response to select relative movementbetween said cassette and said chamber for returning said transducermeans and said control circuit means, respectively, to said initialcondition and said initial state.
 2. The control system of claim 1 inwhich: said chamber includes loading access means movable to secure asaid cassette therewithin; and said reset means includes monitor meanshaving a unique signal condition in response to movement of a saidcassette from said chamber, and means having a select signal conditionin response to said loading access means movement to secure a cassette,said reset means being responsive to said select signal condition in thepresence of said unique signal condition to return said transducer meansand said control circuit means, respectively, to said initial states. 3.Photographic apparatus operative to carry out a sequence of operationalevents in a predetermined order to define a photographic cycle having apre-exposure phase, an exposure phase and a post-exposure phasecomprising: exposure mechanism means selectively actuable to block andunblock an optical path, reflex operator means movable from a viewingposition during said pre-exposure phase to an exposure positionorienting said optical path for said exposure phase and subsequentlymovable during said post-exposure phase to said viewing position;exposure control means actuable to control said exposure mechanism meansduring said exposure phase to define an interval of exposure and havinga given output condition while said apparatus is carrying out saidpost-exposure phase; cycle control means for effecting the carrying outof said events defining said pre-exposure phase, for subsequentlyactuating said exposure control means to establish said exposure phase,and responsive to said given output condition for effecting the carryingout of said post-exposure phase; and reset means selectively actuable toeffect the carrying out of said operational events defining a saidpost-exposure phase of a said photographic cycle.
 4. The photographicapparatus of claim 3 including: means defining a chamber for receivingand securing a container for an assemblage of photographic units; andwherein said reset means is actuable in response to a relative movementof a said container with respect to said chamber and the securing ofsaid container therewithin.
 5. The photographic apparatus of claim 3wherein said reset means is selectively actuable to effect said exposurecontrol means given output condition so as to cause the carrying out ofsaid operational events defining a said post-exposure phase of a saidphotographic cycle.
 6. The photographic apparatus of claim 3 wherein:said cycle control means includes: means for monitoRing the presence ofphotographic units within said apparatus; first transducer means havingone circuit condition corresponding with a position of said reflexoperator means at said viewing position and another circuit conditionwhen located between said viewing position and said exposure position;second transducer means operative to convert from one circuit conditionto another in correspondence with said reflex operator means beinglocated between said exposure position and a select location proximatethereto, and instrumentality means actuable during said post-exposurephase to effect conversion of said first and second transducer meansrespectively to said one condition.
 7. The photographic apparatus ofclaim 6 in which: said cycle control means instrumentality means isactuable in the presence of said exposure control means given outputcondition to effect said conversion of said first and second transducermeans conditions; and said reset means is selectively actuable to effectsaid given output condition and said instrumentality means actuation soas to provide for the selective carrying out of said operational eventsdefining a said post-exposure phase of a said photographic cycle.
 8. Thephotographic apparatus of claim 3 in which: said cycle control meansincludes: means for monitoring the presence of photographic units withinsaid apparatus, first transducer means having one circuit conditioncorresponding with the positioning of said reflex operator means at saidviewing position and another circuit condition when removed from saidviewing position, and exposure mechanism transducer means having oneoutput condition responsive to said exposure mechanism means blockingsaid optical path and another output condition corresponding withactuation of said exposure mechanism means to unblock said optical path;and said reset means includes gate means responsive to a predeterminedcondition of said monitoring means, to said first transducer means otheroutput condition and to said exposure mechanism transducer means oneoutput condition for effecting said exposure control means given outputcondition.
 9. The photographic apparatus of claim 3 including: meansdefining a chamber for receiving and securing a container for anassemblage of photographic units; and wherein said reset means isactuable in response to the relative movement of a said container withinsaid chamber and the securing of said container therewithin.
 10. Thephotographic apparatus of claim 9 in which: said cycle control meansincludes means for monitoring the status of said photographic units; andsaid reset means includes switch means responsive to a predeterminedcondition of said monitoring means for enabling said actuation to effectsaid exposure control means given output condition.
 11. The photographicapparatus of claim 9 in which: said cycle control means includes countermeans having at least one element movable from an initial position,corresponding with the removal of a said container from and subsequentinsertion of a container within said receiving chamber, for monitoring apredetermined sequence of said photographic cycles; and wherein saidreset means includes switch means responsive to the position of saidelement and having a unique circuit condition when said element is insaid initial position for enabling said reset means actuation to effectsaid exposure control means given output condition.
 12. The photographicapparatus of claim 3 wherein: said exposure control means includes meansfor selectively generating a signal to activate a source of artificialillumination; and said reset means is operative automatically tosuppress said generation when actuated.
 13. The photographic apparatusof claim 3 in which said cycle control means includes transducer meanshaving a preliminary condition when said reflex operator means is insaid viewing position and actuable to assume a Given output condition inresponse to said movement of said reflex operator means from saidviewing toward said exposure position for monitoring said movement andenabling said cycle control means to effect the said carrying out ofsaid events defining said pre-exposure phase.
 14. The photographicapparatus of claim 13 including driven instrumentality means actuable bysaid cycle control means for effecting said reflex operator meansmovement between said viewing and exposure positions, for actuating saidtransducer means to assume said given output condition when said reflexoperator means is moved during said pre-exposure phase from said viewingposition toward said exposure position, and for actuating saidtransducer means to assume said preliminary condition in correspondencewith said reflex operator means movement from said exposure position tosaid viewing position.
 15. The photographic apparatus of claim 14 inwhich said transducer means comprises: first switch means actuable fromone to another contact condition during said pre-exposure phase whensaid reflex operator means is moved from said viewing position; andsecond switch means actuable from one to another contact conditionduring said pre-exposure phase when said reflex operator means isproximate said exposure position.
 16. The photographic apparatus ofclaim 15 in which said driven instrumentality means is operative toactuate said first and second switch means respectively into said onecontact condition during said post-exposure phase.
 17. The photographicapparatus of claim 16 including: means defining a chamber for receivingand securing a container for an assemblage of photographic units; andwherein said reset means is actuable in response to relative movement ofsaid container with respect to said chamber and the said securingthereof within said chamber.
 18. The photographic apparatus of claim 16wherein said cycle control means includes a source of electrical energyfor energizing said apparatus throughout a said photographic cycle; andsaid first switch means is operative to effect de-energization of saidapparatus when actuated into said one contact condition during saidpost-exposure phase.
 19. Reflex photographic apparatus, operative tocarry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographic cyclecomprising: a housing including means defining an exposure chamberwithin which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflexoperator means actuable to move between a viewing position, establishingan optical path through said taking lens to a viewing surface, and anexposure position, orienting said optical path to extend through saidtaking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable toblock and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable toregulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval ofexposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of saidreflex operator means as it is moved into said viewing position andhaving one output condition corresponding with the presence of saidreflex operator means at said viewing position and another outputcondition when said reflex operator means is without said viewingposition; second transducer means for tracking the said movement of saidreflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel to andfrom said exposure position and a position proximate thereto and havingone output condition corresponding with said movement within said locusof travel and another reflex operator means being positioned withoutsaid output condition corresponding with said locus of travel; andcontrol means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operatormeans, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effectthe carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a saidphotographic cycle, said control means being responsive to said secondtransducer means one output condition fOr enabling the actuation of saidexposure control means to define a said interval of exposure.
 20. Thereflex photographic apparatus of claim 19 wherein said control means isresponsive to said first transducer means one output condition foreffecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.
 21. The reflexphotographic apparatus of claim 19 in which said control means includesdelay means, actuable in response to the commencement of said secondtransducer means one output condition, for actuating said exposurecontrol means following a predetermined time period selected incorrespondence with the time required for said reflex operator means toseat at said exposure position.
 22. The reflex photographic apparatus ofclaim 19 in which said control means includes: driven instrumentalitymeans actuable during a given said photographic cycle to initially movesaid reflex operator means from said viewing position into said exposureposition, and, thereafter, to return said reflex operator means to saidviewing position, said driven instrumentality means having an actuatorcomponent movable synchronously and in correspondence with said movementof said reflex operator means between said viewing and exposurepositions.
 23. The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 22 in whichsaid driven instrumentality means includes a lost motion connectionintermediate said actuator component and said reflex operator means. 24.The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 22 in which: said actuatorcomponent is configured and arranged for movement along a given locus oftravel in one direction toward one terminal position when said reflexoperator means is moved from said viewing position toward said exposureposition; and said first and second transducer means are present,respectively, as first and second switch means actuable respectively, toderive said other and one output condition in response to said actuatorcomponent moving in said one direction to predetermined positions alongsaid locus of travel.
 25. The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 24in which: said actuator component is configured and arranged formovement along said given locus of travel in another direction toward aninitial terminal position when said reflex operator means is moved fromsaid exposure position toward said viewing position; and said first andsecond switch means are actuable, respectively, to derive said one andother output condition in response to said actuator component moving insaid other direction to predetermined positions along said locus oftravel.
 26. The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 19: includingthird transducer means actuable from one condition to another when saidoptical path is blocked by actuation of said exposure mechanism means;and wherein said control means is responsive to said third transducermeans other condition for initially actuating said reflex operator meansfor movement from said viewing position.
 27. Reflex photographicapparatus, operative to carry out a sequence of operational eventsdefining a photographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposurechamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens;reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position,establishing an optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface,and an exposure position orienting said optical path to extend from saidtaking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable toblock and unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable toregulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval ofexposure; first transducer means for tracking the said movement of saidreflex operator means as it is moved, and having one output conditioncorresponding with said viewing position and another output conditionwhen said reflex operator means is without said viewing position;exposure mechanism transducer means actuable from one Condition toanother when said optical path is blocked by said exposure mechanismmeans; and control means for regulating the actuation of said reflexoperator means, said exposure mechanism means and said exposure controlmeans to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational eventsdefining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive tosaid exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuatingsaid reflex operator means to move from said viewing position.
 28. Thereflex photographic apparatus of claim 27 wherein said control means isresponsive to said first transducer means one output condition foreffecting the termination of a said photographic cycle.
 29. The reflexphotographic aparatus of claim 27 wherein said control means isresponsive to said exposure mechanism transducer means other conditionfor actuating said reflex operator means to move from said exposureposition to said viewing position to terminate a said photographiccycle.
 30. The reflex photographic apparatus of claim 29 wherein saidcontrol means is responsive to said first transducer means one outputcondition for selectively effecting the termination of a saidphotographic cycle.
 31. Photographic apparatus comprising: cycle controlmeans actuable to regulate said apparatus to carry out operationalevents in predetermined order to define photographic cycles; exposuremechanism means having at least one element movable under given dynamiccharacteristics within a given interval of time from one position toanother terminal position unblocking an optical path of said apparatus,and actuable to block said optical path, monitor means responsive to thestatus of a supply of photographic material within said apparatus andhaving a unique signal condition representing the exhaustion of saidphotographic material supply; exposure control means responsive to saidcycle control means regulation for selectively actuating said exposuremechanism means to define an interval of exposure, and including signalmeans actuable in synchronism with said exposure mechanism means elementmovement into said terminal unblocking position and having apredetermined signal condition corresponding with the attainment of saidunblocking position; and empty cycle means actuable in response to saidcontrol means regulation, to said monitor means unique signal conditionand to said signal means predetermined signal condition for effectingthe said actuation of said exposure mechanism means to block saidoptical path.
 32. The photographic apparatus of claim 31 wherein: saidexposure control means includes means for selectively generating asignal to activate a source of artificial illumination; and said emptycycle means is operative, when activated, to automatically suppress saidactivating signal.
 33. The photographic apparatus of claim 32 in which:said monitor means includes counter means having at least one elementmovable in correspondence with a given sequence of said photographiccycles and having a unique orientation representing said exhaustion ofsaid photographic material supply; and said empty cycle means includesswitch means responsive to the position of said element and having aselect circuit condition when said element is in said uniqueorientation.
 34. The photographic apparatus of claim 31 wherein: saidexposure control means includes trigger means responsive to a selectinput signal for effecting the said actuation of said exposure mechanismmeans element to block said optical path; and said empty cycle means isoperative to insert said select input signal into said trigger means inthe presence of said predetermined signal condition.
 35. Thephotographic apparatus of claim 34 in which said empty cycle meansincludes AND gate means gatable in response to said monitor means uniquesignal condition and to said signal means predetermined signal conditionfor inserting said select input signal intO said trigger means.
 36. Thephotographic apparatus of claim 35 in which: said monitor means includescounter means having at least one element movable in correspondence witha given sequence of said photographic cycles and having a uniqueorientation representing said exhaustion of said photographic materialsupply; and said empty cycle means includes switch means responsive tothe position of said element and having a select circuit conditionestablishing said monitor means unique signal condition when saidelement is in said unique orientation.
 37. The photographic apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein: said exposure control means includes means forselectively generating a signal to activate a source of artificialillumination; and said empty cycle means includes suppressing meansresponsive to said switch means select circuit condition for suppressingsaid activating signal.
 38. A control system for photographic apparatusof a type automatically carrying out a series of operational eventsdefining a photographic cycle in response to the actuation thereofcomprising: exposure means actuable to block and unblock an optical pathto define an interval of exposure; chamber means for supporting acassette having a given supply of photographic material monitor meansresponsive to the status of said photographic material within saidcassette and having a unique signal condition representing theexhaustion thereof; control means responsive to said apparatus actuationand to said monitoring means unique signal condition for effecting thecarrying out of a said photographic cycle wherein said exposure means isactivated to fully unblock, thence immediately to block said opticalpath.
 39. The control system of claim 38 wherein: said exposure meansincludes means for selectively generating a signal to activate a sourceof artificial illumination; and said control means is operative, whensaid apparatus is actuated, to suppress said activating signal. 40.Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence ofoperational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: meansdefining an exposure chamber within which an exposure plane is disposed;a taking lens; converting means including an actuator component movabletoward a terminal position to effect the positioning of a reflexcomponent at a viewing mode location establishing an optical path fromsaid taking lens to a viewing surface, said actuator component beingmovable away from said terminal position to effect the positioning ofsaid reflex component at an exposure mode location orienting saidoptical path to extend from said taking lens to said exposure plane;exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock said opticalpath; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposuremechanism means to define an interval of exposure; first transducermeans for tracking the said movement of said reflex component as it ismoved into and away from said viewing mode position and having oneoutput condition corresponding with said actuator component movementwithin a locus of travel between said terminal position and a positionclosely proximate thereto and having another output condition when saidactuator component is without said locus of travel; and cycle controlmeans for regulating the actuation of said converting means, saidexposure means and said exposure control means to effect the carryingout of said sequence of operational events defining a photographiccycle, said control means being responsive to said first transducermeans one output condition for selectively effecting the termination ofa said photographic cycle.
 41. The reflex photographic apparatus ofclaim 40 in which: said converting means includes motor means initiallyenergizable during a said photographic cycle to cause said actuatorcomponent to move away from said terminal position and subsequentlyenergizable to move saiD actuator component toward said terminalposition; and said cycle control means is responsive to said firsttransducer means other condition for effecting the termination of saidmotor means initial energization.
 42. Reflex photographic apparatus,operative to carry out a sequence of operational events defining aphotographic cycle, comprising: means defining an exposure chamberwithin which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens; reflexoperator means actuable to move between a veiwing position, establishingan optical path from said taking lens to a viewing surface, and anexposure position orienting said optical path to extend from said takinglens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanism means actuable to blockand unblock said optical path; exposure control means actuable toregulate said exposure mechanism means to define an interval ofexposure; exposure mechanism transducer means actuable from onecondition to another when said optical path is blocked by said exposuremechanism means; and control means for regulating the actuation of saidreflex operator means, said exposure means and said exposure controlmeans to effect the carrying out of said sequence of operational eventsdefining a photographic cycle, said control means being responsive tosaid exposure mechanism transducer means other condition for actuatingsaid reflex operator means to move from said viewing position. 43.Reflex photographic apparatus, operative to carry out a sequence ofoperational events defining a photographic cycle, comprising: a housingincluding means defining an exposure chamber within which an exposureplane is disposed; a taking lens; reflex operator means actuable to movebetween a viewing position, establishing an optical path through saidtaking lens to a viewing surface, and an exposure position, orientingsaid optical path to extend through said taking lens to said exposureplane; exposure mechanism means actuable to block and unblock saidoptical path; exposure control means actuable to regulate said exposuremechanism means to define an interval of exposure; transducer means fortracking the said movement of said reflex operator means as it is movedwithin a locus of travel to and from said exposure position and aposition proximate thereto and having one output condition correspondingwith said movement within said locus of travel and another outputcondition corresponding with said reflex operator means being positionwithout said locus of travel; and control means for regulating theactuation of said reflex operator means, said exposure means and saidexposure control means, to effect the carrying out of said sequence ofoperational events defining a said photographic cycle, said controlmeans being responsive to said transducer means one output condition forenabling the actuation of said exposure control means to define a saidinterval of exposure.
 44. Reflex photographic apparatus, operative tocarry out a sequence of operational events defining a photographiccycle, comprising: a housing including means defining an exposurechamber within which an exposure plane is disposed; a taking lens;reflex operator means actuable to move between a viewing position,establishing an optical path through said taking lens to a viewingsurface, and an exposure position, orienting said optical path to extendthrough said taking lens to said exposure plane; exposure mechanismmeans actuable to block and unblock said optical path; exposure controlmeans actuable to regulate said exposure mechanism means to define aninterval of exposure; transducer means for tracking the said movement ofsaid reflex operator means as it is moved within a locus of travel toand from said exposure position and a position proximate thereto andhaving one output condition corresponding with said movement within saidlocus of travel and another output condition corresponding with saidrEflex operator means being positioned without said locus of travel; andcontrol means for regulating the actuation of said reflex operatormeans, said exposure means and said exposure control means, to effectthe carrying out of said sequence of operational events defining a saidphotographic cycle, said control means including delay means, actuablein response to the commencement of said transducer means one outputcondition, for actuating said exposure control means following apredetermined time period selected in correspondence with the timerequired for said reflex operator means to seat at said exposureposition.
 45. Photographic apparatus comprising: first means forperforming a plurality of steps defining a photographic cycle wherein arecord is made of an image of a scene; second means, including a controlcircuit having an initial state and responsive to actuating means, forinitiating and sequencing the operation of said first means to effectthe performance of said plurality of steps in a predetermined manner toaccomplish said photographic cycle, said second means beingautomatically reset to its initial state upon completion of saidphotographic cycle; third means for selectively actuating said secondmeans; and fourth means for resetting said second means to its initialstate in the event that said second means initiates the operation ofsaid first means but is precluded from effecting the completion of saidphotographic cycle.
 46. The photographic apparatus of claim 45 includingmeans for receiving at least one film unit and said fourth means isautomatically responsive to select relative movement between said filmunit and said receiving means.
 47. The photographic apparatus of claim45 wherein said second means includes means for detecting the completionof at least one of said steps.
 48. The photographic apparatus of claim45 wherein said second means includes means for detecting the initiationand completion of at least one of said steps.
 49. The photographicapparatus of claim 45 wherein such image is recorded on a photosensitivematerial and one of said steps comprises effecting the treatment of suchphotosensitive material with a processing fluid after such image hasbeen recorded thereon.
 50. The photographic apparatus of claim 49wherein said first means comprises a pair of fluid spreading members andsaid one step comprises the advancement of such photosensitive sheetbetween said pair of fluid spreading members.
 51. The photographicapparatus of claim 45 wherein said third means comprises manuallyoperable switch means connected to said second means.
 52. Thephotographic apparatus of claim 45 wherein said photographic cyclecomprises pre-image recording operations, image recording operations andpost-image recording operations.
 53. Photographic apparatus operativefrom an initial orientation and condition of the components thereof tocarry out a sequence of operational events in a predetermined order todefine a photographic cycle, comprising: exposure means operable toselectively block and unblock an optical path, said operation serving tocontrollably expose a photographic film unit during an exposure phase ofsaid cycle; processing means actuable to effect the treating of suchphotographic film unit during a post-exposure phase of said cycle; cyclecontrol means for effecting the carrying out of said sequence of eventsto establish said exposure phase and including monitoring meansresponsive to said exposure means completing said exposure phase foractuating said processing means to carry out said post-exposure phase;and reset means selectively actuable to cause said cycle control meansto effect the carrying out of select ones of said operational events tore-establish said initial orientation and condition of said components.